Chinese New Year customs to start the year right

There are some delightful New Year customs that I would like to share with you. These are based on the belief that how you act and feel on the first day will affect your luck for the rest of the year. Follow the advice below and start the year feeling great!

1. Do not enter the New Year in debt. This refers to personal, not corporate debt. Not only money but kindness should be repaid in kind.

2. Resolve all quarrels and misunderstandings before the New Year, so that family and friends can renew their ties with peace in their hearts.

3. a. Thoroughly clean your house and office and discard old, worn-out or broken objects.

b. Clean all windows and door screens, electric fans and aircon filters, so only clean and dustless air can enter your house.

c. Be sure there are no garbage cans, litter and other mess outside your gate and your door.

4. Have lots of good food in the house such as dishes of golden fruit, chocolate coins wrapped in gold foil and other sweet and preferably round goodies.

5. Have as much cash on hand as safety permits. This imparts a feeling of wealth – it is a bad omen to run out of money during the New Year.

6. Wear new clothes in cheerful colors on New Year’s Day.

7. Do all the major cooking the day before, so that on New Year’s Day you don’t have to use a sharp knife or chopper.

8. Give extra money and food to those who have served you during the year. In Hong Kong, little red envelopes containing "lucky money" (lai see) are given, not only to those who have served or aided us, but also to all the young or unmarried people who wish us "Kung Hei Fat Choy."

9. On this special day, do no heavy work. Relax and enjoy being with your family and friends.

10. Think positive thoughts, do not speak negative words and do not scold the children.

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All these wonderful customs create a feeling of goodwill and happiness. It is a way of preparing ourselves physically and psychologically for whatever the new year will bring. If fortune comes, we have made space in our lives to receive it. If problems arise, we will be in good condition to cope with them.

One last tip for welcoming the Year of the Goat: Do not have lamb or goat on your New Year’s table. – Merlina Merton